The IHEDN and the Institute of Higher Studies of the Ministry of the Interior (IHEMI) have renewed their partnership, under the auspices of the Defence Academy of the École Militaire (ACADEM), to mark the 163rd ‘Cycle Jeunes’ programme in Île-de-France.
Over the course of a week, this joint session brought together 81 participants with a shared objective: to develop a common understanding of the security-defence-justice continuum and to gain a better grasp of the challenges facing our country.
The programme included lectures, debates, workshops and committee sessions, providing an opportunity to explore in greater depth the major issues relating to defence, security, diplomacy and international cooperation. Through these discussions, participants deepened their understanding of contemporary challenges whilst formulating ideas and concrete proposals to promote better cooperation between the various stakeholders.
The training course was structured around three main areas:
- Strategic issues; ;
- Knowledge of security and defence equipment; ;
- New threats.
Lectures, discussions with experts, field visits and committee work enabled the trainees to gain an understanding of topical issues, including:
- Issues in international law and the protection of human rights: this presentation explored the international legal framework and its implications for global peace and security.
- Diplomacy and international relations: she discussed diplomatic strategies for dealing with geopolitical crises, as well as mechanisms for international cooperation.
- Security and defence: challenges and strategies: this conference analysed new security threats, particularly in cyberspace, and the responses adopted by states.
- The challenges of global governance: consideration has been given to the organisation of international powers in the face of global issues such as climate change and migration.
- Global health and safety: this presentation focused on the management of global health crises, drawing in particular on lessons learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic.
- The challenges of communication in a crisis: she highlighted the importance of strategic communication in crisis management and the dissemination of information.
In addition to the lectures, the programme also included several field trips. In particular, the participants visited:
- the Mobile Gendarmerie Armoured Group (GBGM), an elite armoured unit of the National Gendarmerie and a government reserve capable of responding rapidly to major crises both in France and during overseas operations; ;
- at the French Atomic Energy Commission and Alternative Energies (CEA-DAM Île-de-France), a facility dedicated to the design, modelling and safety assurance of French nuclear weapons as part of the deterrent.
These visits gave participants a hands-on insight into the work of the key players in the security and defence sectors. They complemented the theoretical lessons delivered during the week and encouraged practical reflection on the issues discussed.
Finally, to round off their training, the participants engaged in a collective discussion within three working groups focusing on key issues:
- Civil-military relations in the face of new threats: participants considered ways of strengthening cooperation between the armed forces, internal security forces and local authorities in order to better anticipate, coordinate and respond to crises and hybrid threats affecting local areas.
- Preventing and tackling foreign interference: they have identified courses of action to detect and counter disinformation campaigns, strengthen coordination between public and private sector stakeholders, and build citizens’ resilience to foreign interference.
- The increase in the number of women in the armed forces and internal security forces: they put forward proposals aimed at encouraging the recruitment and retention of women and their access to positions of responsibility, whilst promoting a more inclusive and equal working environment.
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